ATO to review Victorian fairness fund payments

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will undertake a review of the Victorian Fairness Fund payments to the taxi and hire car industry following a query from Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.

Missed opportunity for fairer tolls

Toll operators got another bonus payout today when the legislative council voted down an amendment to give families a discount on West Gate Tunnel tolls. 

No West Gate Tunnel tolls for taxis; private utes pay car rates

Taxis and VH plated hire cars will be exempt from tolls and private utes will be tolled at car rates in the new West Gate Tunnel if amendments presented by Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton pass the Legislative Council today.

Industry devastated by Four Corners Uber Story revelations

Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton said he was not surprised by the revelations of the ABCs Four Corners program on Uber’s antics entering the Australian market.

Upgrades needed at Box Hill Interchange

“I have invited the Minster to visit the Box Hill interchange with me to witness the extreme overcrowding at peak hour, and to take the opportunity to share information with local Council and stakeholders on the transport needs in the area and the progress of the steering committee.”

Wheelchair taxi services struggle in regions

Regional taxi companies are struggling to expand wheelchair taxi fleets because setup subsidies only apply if they are replacing existing vehicles.

CityLink users will pay $22 billion for a $6.8 billion road

Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters Leader Rod Barton says the burden of the West Gate Tunnel bill has been passed onto road users on the Tullamarine and Monash freeways  following the extension of CityLink tolls out until 2045 this week. 

Extended CityLink tolls a slap for small business

Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton says small businesses will bear the brunt of extending CityLink tolls to cover the cost of the West Gate Tunnel project.

Barton calls for reintroduction of touting laws

Increasing numbers of drivers touting for work is a direct result of deregulation of the taxi industry according to Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Rod Barton.

Trip levy non-compliance is rife says Barton

The $1 per trip levy to fund transition payments is an overly burdensome administrative requirement with widespread non-compliance, according to Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters party leader Rod Barton.

Taxi industry urged to join  Uber class action

Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters leader Rod Barton  is urging taxi and hire car drivers, operators and licence owners to get on board a Maurice Blackburn class action against Uber.

Distracted drivers a road hazard says Rod Barton

Distracted drivers are the greatest hazard on our roads says Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Rod Barton.

Unfinished business for taxi and car hire industry

Addressing some unfinished business for the taxi and car hire industry will be a priority for newly elected member for eastern metropolitan region Rod Barton. 

In his maiden speech to the legislative council today Mr Barton expressed the devastation of many thousands of families who faced the loss…